SMSTS Courses For the Construction Industry   by Ade Lewis

in Careers    (submitted 2011-08-22)

There are many dangerous hazards to be aware of when employed in the construction industry. If the correct guidelines are not adhered to consequences can be serious or at worst can be fatal

Companies are responsible for taking steps to see that their employees and members of the public are not endangered as a result of poor health and safety awareness.

Severe penalties and improvement notices are applied to companies who have failed to comply with regulations. For a company to be completely compliant with the most recent standards required in relation to safety is to enrol their site managers and supervisors on a Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course.

For professionals working in the construction industry, SMSTS training is essential Training is designed to teach detailed awareness about safety procedures surrounding the correct set up and management of sites. The course covers risk management in depth and improves candidates awareness of health and safety.

Although the SMSTS training is designed for current supervisors and managers, it would be extremely useful training for anyone who is hoping to obtain a site manager role.

An SMSTS training course is taught over five working days and it is often possible to attend the course once a week over a five week period to minimise disruption within the workplace and any subsequent impact on deadlines. Although many businesses may feel they cannot afford to lose important members of staff for 5 working days this training is invaluable and will certainly pay for itself in the long run.

Course candidates will be continuously assessed throughout the 5 day training, they are required to complete core exercises and written assignments and candidates are also assessed by oral questions and a variety of practical observations. Candidates are required to achieve set percentage scores. On the final day of the course there is a written examination to sit.

Successful completion of the course leads to a certificated CITB qualification. SMSTS qualifications will be for five years. Candidates may subsequently attend a refresher course to renew their qualification. The refresher course is only for those who have already obtained a qualification through SMSTS training.

Even with a sound existing level of knowledge from your previous qualification, the nature of the construction industry means that new technologies are constantly being developed and health and safety practices change. Although there will be lots of elements that do not change, course preparation is useful and advisable.

About the Author

As one of the UK's leading providers of training to the construction industry, TQ Exel offers SMSTS Training and 5 day SMSTS Courses throughout the UK either at one of our training centres or at your business location.